Storm Boris continues its destructive path, now battering Italy’s north-east and central regions after devastating central Europe. The storm has led to severe flooding in the Emilia Romagna and Marche regions, forcing over 1,000 residents to evacuate. Landslides have disrupted roadways, and train services have been severely affected. In cities like Faenza and Ravenna, residents have been forced to flee using dinghies as rivers overflow, and schools and public spaces have been closed, including the University of Bologna.

The storm has already claimed at least 23 lives across Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania, and Austria. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced €10 billion in EU funding to assist affected countries. Meanwhile, experts warn that, although rainfall may ease by Friday, the risk of further flooding remains high in Italy and neighboring countries.

Scientists attribute the increase in extreme weather events, such as the catastrophic flooding in Emilia Romagna in May 2023, to climate change. However, the exact role of global warming in the development of Storm Boris is still being studied.

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